Marlborough may aim for King George

Marlborough could face his biggest test to date in the capital's Boxing Day feature, Kempton's King George VI Chase, connections revealed today.

A Cheltenham Festival winner in March, the eight-year-old gelding is yet to race this season after bypassing last Saturday's Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup. But, if impressing in his chosen comeback, he could enhance a very strong King George squad for owner Robert Ogden.

"He would have to win or run very well to warrant him going to Kempton," admitted racing manager Barry Simpson. "But the King George is on our mind, as long as the ground isn't heavy. Mr Ogden also has a share in the favourite and last year's winner, See More Business, and has also entered Fadalko."

Regular jockey, Mick Fitzgerald, is expected to be back from a shoulder injury in time to partner Marlborough in his prep - either Cheltenham's Chubb Chase Friday week or Ascot's Tote Silver Cup on 16 December. The former would set up a clash with Royal